JP2011128815A - Image-forming device, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage a license by an appropriate image-forming device. <P>SOLUTION: A composite machine 102 is disclosed as one example of the image-forming device. In the composite machine 102, a license management unit 214 determines whether there is a license corresponding to a license identifier within the image-forming device based on the license identifier corresponding to inputted license information. When a determination means determines that a license is present within the image-forming device, the license management unit 214, namely one example of the history determination means, determines whether there is an installation history corresponding to the image-forming device of the license determined to be present. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus / system / medium in a license management system.

There are devices connected to the network that can install licensed applications. In addition, there is a technique for enabling an application, an option, and its license to be invalidated using a license issuance server (for example, see Patent Document 1).
In Patent Literature 1, an application preinstalled in a device is invalidated to be transferred to another device. When the license is installed, the license state is stored in the non-volatile area when the license is invalidated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the license even when transferring the license.

JP 2006-107468 A

  In the case of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-107468, it is necessary to manually invalidate one by one when invalidating a license. In order to prevent unauthorized use, installation history and invalidation history are left on the device.

  Conventionally, there has been no mechanism such as history deletion in a multi-function peripheral so that operations without a license authority can be easily performed in the market. For this reason, when an inconsistency occurs in the license management system, it is difficult for the service person or the user to return.

Determining means for determining whether a license corresponding to the license identifier exists in the image forming apparatus based on the license identifier corresponding to the input license information;
History determination means for determining whether there is an installation history of the license determined to exist in the image forming apparatus when the determination means determines that a license exists in the image forming apparatus;
When the history determination unit determines that there is an installation history, the license is invalidated, and a deletion unit that deletes the installation history;
An image forming apparatus is disclosed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to manage licenses in an appropriate image forming apparatus.

1 is a system configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the license issuing server in one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure of the license information installation in one embodiment of this invention. It is a format of license information in an embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the constituent elements described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network system including an information processing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a license issuance server that issues a license. By means of a computer system provided in the license issuing server content distribution server 101, server access means, number request means, machine number recognition means, content distribution confirmation request means, machine number inspection means, content distribution means, option information registration means identifier A generation unit, an identifier transmission unit, and the like are configured.

  A single unit 102 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having functions such as a printer, a scanner, a copier, and a FAX. Reference numeral 102 denotes an example of an image forming apparatus. A plurality of applications and licenses can be installed on the MFP, each having a unique device ID. The MFP 102 is an MFP in which a license according to the present invention can be installed. A client apparatus 103 is an example of an information processing apparatus, and is used to remotely operate the license issuance server 101 and the MFP 102.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a network such as the Internet, and the information processing apparatus 103 can be connected to the content distribution server 101 via the network 104. Similarly, reference numeral 105 denotes a network such as the Internet, and the client apparatus 103 can be connected to the MFP 102 via the network 105.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a part of the hardware configuration. Each device has a memory (which may be non-volatile or volatile) and one or more CPUs or MPUs. A control program for controlling the functions shown in FIG. Then, it is read and executed by the CPU. Thereby, the process of FIG. 4 etc. is performed.

(Explanation of the device)
<MFP>
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral that is an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.
201 represents first, second and third multifunction devices. A scanner function unit 202 has a function of reading a paper document and converting it into binary image data. Reference numeral 203 denotes a print function unit, which has a function of outputting an image read by the scanner function unit 202 and converted into binary image data to a printer device by adding a command to the printer. Reference numeral 204 denotes a facsimile function unit. The image previously read by the scanner function unit 202 and converted into binary image data is encoded according to a facsimile standard such as G3 or G4. Further, it has a function of performing image communication with an external facsimile by a protocol according to the facsimile standard. Also, it has a function of transmitting and receiving a facsimile image from an external facsimile according to the facsimile standard. A job control function unit 205 queues the binary image data received from the scanner function unit 202 or the facsimile image data received from the outside by the facsimile function unit 205 as a print job. The job control function unit 205 has a job control function that appropriately outputs to the print function unit 203, the facsimile function unit 204, and the network function unit 206 described later. A network function unit 206 has various network protocol functions such as TCP / IP, HTTP, FTP, LDAP, SNMP, SMTP, and SSL. A user interface function unit 207 manages input / output by the user of the operation panel of the multifunction machine 201, and displays input fields, output message fields, and the like on the operation panel. The user interface function unit 207 has a function of receiving an input value for an input field from the user, notifying the other function unit, and displaying a message for the user from the other function unit on a predesigned screen. Reference numeral 208 denotes a user authentication function unit. It responds to user authentication requests for various applications in the application function unit 209 using the UI function unit 207 or an information terminal (not shown) on the network. That is, various user authentication functions are set for each application using a user authentication setting file. The user authentication function unit 208 has a function of authenticating a user who operates various functions of the multifunction peripheral using a user authentication server on the network or user authentication information inside the multifunction peripheral.

  Reference numeral 209 denotes an application function unit, which has functions for installing, authenticating, executing, and uninstalling various applications that operate on the multifunction machine 201. The application function unit 209 sets an expiration date of the application when installing the application. Then, an application with an expiration date is realized by determining an expiration date set in advance at the time of application installation by using a function of the time management unit 214 described later when the application is executed. The application expiration date may be set by storing expiration date information inside the application object, or may be set as a separate object as additional information of the application at the time of application installation. This expiration date is indicated by the number of days from the time of installation until the application stops operating. The expiration date may be the number of days indicating the expiration date, or may be an expiration date such as what year, month, day. Even if it is an expiration date, it is obvious that the number of days indicating the expiration period is calculated from the system clock inside the multifunction machine 201. Further, it may be a unit smaller than the number of days, for example, a second unit. It goes without saying that the expiration date can be calculated within the range of the unit of the system internal clock. This expiration date is passed as an argument to an installation time setting function, which will be described later, at the time of application installation, and stored in a non-volatile storage area in the multifunction machine 201.

  Among the applications on the MFP, those whose application main body is already installed can enable the function by installing only the license information.

  In order to use an application on the MFP, an activation procedure is required after the application is installed. In order to validate the application, license information normally input from the user interface function unit is used. The license information includes a function type and a device ID to be activated. Note that the license information may be input via a network using the network function unit.

  The application is validated by inputting license information to the MFP. Actually, a license identifier is recorded in a nonvolatile storage area inside the MFP corresponding to each application.

  Similarly, by deleting the license identifier, the corresponding application can be invalidated.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes a Mail application which is one of the applications of the multifunction machine 201 that operates on the application function unit. The Mail application 210 has a function of receiving an electronic mail attached with an electronic document transmitted from an information terminal on a network using the network function unit 206 and printing using the print function unit. The Mail application 210 has a function of attaching an electronic document read by using the scanner function unit 202 to an electronic mail and transmitting the electronic mail with the electronic document attached to a preset transfer destination. Reference numeral 211 denotes a remote operation application that is one of the applications of the multifunction machine 201 that operates on the application function unit. The remote operation application 211 has a function for enabling remote operation by displaying the same interface as the main body touch panel displayed on the MFP main body using the UI function unit on an information terminal (not shown) on the network. . Reference numeral 212 denotes one application of the multifunction machine 201 that operates on the application function unit, and indicates a document format conversion application. The document format conversion application 212 has a function of converting into a preset electronic data format. Electronic data read by the operator using the scanner function unit 202 and electronic data transmitted from an information terminal on the network and transmitted using the network function unit 206 are to be converted. Reference numeral 213 denotes a document management system application which is one of the applications of the multifunction machine 201 that operates on the application function unit. The document management system application 213 has a function of storing in a document storage location set in advance on the network or in the MFP main body. Electronic data read using the scanner function unit 202 by the operation of the main body by the operator, and electronic data transmitted from the information terminal on the network and transmitted using the network function unit 206 are stored.

  The Mail transmission / reception application 210, the remote operation application 211, the document format conversion application 212, and the document management system application 213 can perform user authentication. In any case, when the operator uses the application, the user authentication function unit 208 is used through the application function unit 209.

  The time management function unit 214 has a system built-in clock and provides a system built-in clock interface capable of setting and referring to all the function modules of the multifunction machine 201. In addition, it has a function of holding a cumulative set differential time from a system start described later in a non-volatile storage area such as a so-called flash ROM. In addition, it has a time synchronization function by a time synchronization service on the network to which the multifunction machine 201 is connected. The time synchronization service is a time synchronization service using a protocol defined by the TIME protocol (RFC868), the NTP protocol (RFC1305), the SNTP protocol (RFC1769), or the like. Furthermore, in order to determine the expiration date of an application with an expiration date, an installation time setting function at the time of application installation described later is provided.

<License issuing server>
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a license issuance server as an information processing apparatus that manages the entire license information issuance processing. This corresponds to 101 in FIG. Server access means, number request means, machine number recognition means, license issuance confirmation request means, machine number inspection means, license information issuance means, option information registration means identifier generation means by the computer system provided in this license issuance server 301 In addition, identifier transmission means and the like are configured.

  A client apparatus 302 is an example of an information processing apparatus managed by the user. This apparatus corresponds to the client apparatus 103 in FIG. Any information processing apparatus that can be connected to a network and can install software, such as a personal computer, a portable terminal, a printer, and a copier, can be the client apparatus 302. The computer system of the client apparatus 302 constitutes server access means, number transmission means, license information confirmation means, and the like according to this embodiment.

  Reference numeral 303 denotes a sales company terminal as an information processing apparatus managed by the sales company, and 304 denotes a software developer (manufacturer) terminal as an information processing apparatus managed by the software developer. A personal computer or a workstation can be the sales company terminal 303 or the software developer terminal 304.

  Reference numeral 305 denotes a network such as the Internet. The client device 302, the sales company terminal 303, and the software developer terminal 304 are connected to the license issuing server 301 via the network 305.

  In FIG. 3, reference numerals 380, 381, and 382 denote multifunction machines in which various applications operate by installing a license issued from the license issuing server. This corresponds to 102 in FIG. There are a plurality of multifunction devices, and each multifunction device communicates with a user terminal. By using a computer system provided in the multi-function peripherals 380, 381, and 382, scanner means, print means, FAX transmission / reception means, job control means, network function means, UI function means, user authentication function means, license management means, Web application Means and application function means.

  The license information management database 306 is connected to the license issuance server 301. Application information, product information including license information, actor information, software identification code information, device specific information, device product information, machine number data band information, application ID, device product code association information, optional product information, license certificate number information, It is a license information management database that stores license information, option information, and customer information.

  A product registration unit 307 is included in the license issuing server 301. The product registration unit 307 includes an application specification module 308, a product type specification module 309, a product registration screen display module 310, a product information input module 311, a license condition specification module 312, a product registration module 313, an optional function name registration module 350, an option A product registration module 351 and a device registration module 352 are included.

  A software identification code issuing unit 314 included in the license issuing server 301 includes a product selection module 315, an option code specifying module 353, and a software identification code issuing module 316.

  Reference numeral 317 denotes a license file issuing unit included in the license issuing server 301. A software identification code input module 318, a device specific information input module 319, a product selection module 320, a license condition designation module 321 and a license file issue module 322 are included.

  Reference numeral 360 denotes a license certificate number issuing unit which is a license certificate number included in the license issuing server 301. An option code specifying module 361 for specifying an option for issuing a license certificate number and a license certificate number issuing module 362 for inputting a number to be acquired and issuing a license certificate number are included.

  Reference numeral 354 denotes a license information issuing unit (license information issuing unit) included in the license issuing server 301, which includes a license certificate number input module 355, a device specific information input module 356, and a license information issue module 357.

  Reference numeral 323 denotes a display unit included in the client device 302, and reference numeral 324 denotes an input unit included in the client device 302. Reference numeral 325 denotes a display unit included in the sales company terminal 303, and reference numeral 326 denotes an input unit included in the sales company terminal. Reference numeral 327 denotes a display unit included in the software developer terminal 304, and reference numeral 328 denotes an input unit included in the software developer terminal.

  In order to install the software managed by this system in the information processing apparatus managed by the user, the license information issued from the license issuing server 301 is always required. The license issuing server 301 issues license information when there is proper access via the network 305.

  In the license information, identification information unique to the information processing apparatus to which the software is installed can be embedded. In this case, different license information is required when installing the same software on another apparatus. Thereby, unauthorized duplication of software can be prevented.

(License information installation flow)
Hereinafter, the flow of installing license information in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  There are two types of licenses: a factory default restoration license and a partial deletion license. The factory shipment state restoration license is a license that restores the license bit in the multifunction peripheral 102 to the factory shipment state, and deletes both the installation history and the transfer history. For example, this factory shipment state license information is applied when a used multifunction device is played back.

  The partial deletion license is a license that does not delete the history of a license having a transfer history. For example, when a deletion license is applied, re-installation of a license with a transfer history remaining can be prevented when the user continues to use the multifunction machine.

  FIG. 4 shows details of the license processing performed inside the MFP 102. It is executed by the time management function unit and license management unit 214 (hereinafter referred to as license management unit 214) in FIG. When license information is input, the process starts (401). The license information is shown in detail later in FIG. In step, the license information is input to the license management unit 214. In step 403, the license management unit 214 checks whether the license identifier is recorded in the multifunction peripheral 102. The fact that the license identifier is recorded indicates that it exists in the multi-function peripheral. In 404, the license management unit 214 checks whether or not there is an installation history. Here, the installation history is a record indicating that the license file has been installed in the multifunction peripheral 102. The fact that there is a license installation history corresponding to the target license ID in the past indicates that the customer later installed the license. Therefore, here, in step 405, the installation history is invalidated, the license is invalidated, and the function is invalidated. The fact that there is no installation history and a license exists in the multifunction peripheral (step 404 -NO) indicates that the license has already been set in the factory-shipped state. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 406 as it is.

  If it is determined that there is an installation history (step 404 -YES), the license management unit invalidates the function of the application (step 405). In step 405, that is, the license management unit 214 deletes the license identifier, and the license management unit 214 deletes the installation history. In step 406, the license management unit 214 determines whether all license identifiers have been checked.

  If the license management unit determines that there is no installation history in step 404, it is determined in step 406 whether all license identifiers have been checked. If not all licenses are checked in 406, the process returns to the flow of step 403 and the subsequent processing is repeated. If the license management unit 214 has checked all licenses at step 406, the process ends at 407.

  On the contrary, the fact that the license identifier is not recorded in S403 indicates that the license corresponding to the license identifier does not exist in the MFP 102. The reason why the license does not exist in the multifunction device 102 is that the license does not exist in the multifunction device from the beginning, or the license is transferred outside the network and does not exist. This is determined by determining whether there is a transfer history 408. The transfer history is a record indicating that the license has been output to the outside of the multi-function peripheral 102. That is, if the license management unit 214 determines that there is no license identifier in 403, a check is made in 408 as to whether there is a transfer history. If there is no transfer history, the process proceeds to 406. If there is a transfer history, it is determined based on 502 in FIG. 5 described later whether the license information input in 402 is a license for returning to the factory shipment state or a license for partial deletion. In the case of a license for returning to the factory default state, the transfer history is deleted in 410. On the other hand, if it is a partial deletion license, the flow proceeds to step 406.

(License information format)
Reference numeral 501 in FIG. 5 denotes a license information format in this embodiment. By inputting the license information to the MFP 102, the flow of FIG. 4 is executed. Reference numeral 502 denotes a license type section. It is identified whether the license information is a license for returning to the factory default state, license information for partial deletion, or a license for activating an application. Reference numeral 503 denotes an application identification unit. Identify which application the license is for. Reference numeral 504 denotes a license check unit. It is like key information for determining whether or not the license information itself is correct.

According to the aspect of this embodiment, the following becomes possible.
For example, it can provide a means of recovery when a software problem or a problem that cannot be identified occurs, and if an incorrect license is issued and installed on the license issuing server, the license is installed on the multifunction device. The history will remain, but this history can be cleared.

  On the other hand, licenses are activated at the time of factory shipment for functions related to applications and options that are installed as standard at the time of purchase. There is no need to invalidate the license information.

  In addition, in the case where it is desired to recycle a multifunction device once used, such as a refurbished machine (reproducing machine) or a demo machine, it is possible to provide a mechanism that can be easily returned to the factory-shipped state.

  Further, by managing the history of clearing the license history on the multifunction peripheral on the license issuing server, it is possible to prevent the use without the authority of the license.

  In some cases, such as troubleshooting, you may want to disable application functions with restrictions. In order to prevent unauthorized use, history information can be left in the MFP device in the transferred application, and other information can be deleted.

  The multifunction peripheral 102 is disclosed as an example of the image forming apparatus. In the MFP 102, the license management unit 214 determines whether a license corresponding to the license identifier exists in the image forming apparatus based on the license identifier corresponding to the input license information.

  When the determination unit determines that the license exists in the image forming apparatus, the license management unit 214, which is an example of the history determination unit, determines whether there is an installation history of the license determined to exist in the image forming apparatus. To do.

  If the license management unit 214 determines that there is an installation history, the history determination unit invalidates the license and deletes the installation history.

If the license management unit 214 determines that the license corresponding to the license identifier does not exist in the MFP 102, it determines whether there is a transfer history indicating that the license has been transferred. The license management unit 214 is an example of a transfer history determination unit. When the license management unit 214 determines that there is a transfer history, the license management unit 214 determines whether to delete the transfer history based on the input license information.
The license management unit 214 is an example of a deletion determination unit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the license information includes information 502 indicating either the factory shipment state restoration license or the partial deletion license.

  According to the present embodiment, license invalidation and history deletion can be performed automatically and collectively by inputting license information, thereby enabling quick recovery processing of market troubles and quick setup of a refurbish machine. Further, by issuing the license information with the license issuing server, it is possible to manage history deletion history in the image forming apparatus, and to prevent use without license authority.

(Other examples)
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (7)

Determining means for determining whether a license corresponding to the license identifier exists in the image forming apparatus based on the license identifier corresponding to the input license information;
History determination means for determining whether there is an installation history of the license determined to exist in the image forming apparatus when the determination means determines that a license exists in the image forming apparatus;
A deletion unit that invalidates the license when the history determination unit determines that there is an installation history, and deletes the installation history;
An image forming apparatus comprising: When the determination unit determines that there is no license corresponding to the license identifier in the image forming apparatus, there is a transfer history determination unit that determines whether there is a transfer history indicating that the license has been transferred. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a deletion determination unit that determines, based on the input license information, whether to delete a transfer history when the transfer history determination unit determines.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the license information includes either a factory shipment state restoration license or a partial deletion license. A determination step of determining whether a license corresponding to the license identifier exists in the image forming apparatus based on the license identifier corresponding to the input license information;
A history determination step for determining whether there is an installation history of the license determined to exist in the image forming apparatus when the determination step determines that a license exists in the image forming apparatus;
If the history determination step determines that there is an installation history, the license is invalidated, and a deletion step of deleting the installation history;
An image forming apparatus control method comprising:   If the determination step determines that there is no license corresponding to the license identifier in the image forming apparatus, there is a transfer history determination step for determining whether there is a transfer history indicating that the license has been transferred, and a transfer history. 5. A control method according to claim 4, further comprising a deletion determination step of determining whether or not to delete a transfer history based on the input license information when it is determined in the transfer history determination step. .   The control method according to claim 4, wherein the license information includes either a factory shipment state restoration license or a partial deletion license.   The control program which makes a computer perform the method of any one of Claims 4 thru | or 6.

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